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Contact: Louis Groce, Graduate Assistant to the Sports Information Director, 630-637-5568

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(Feb. 4, 2014) – For the second consecutive week and for the fourth time in the past five, a North Central College wrestler has been named College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin Wrestler of the Week.  This week, sophomore Josh Tardy earns the award after placing third at the Pete Willson Invitational at Wheaton College.

At the invitational, Tardy (32-9) went 4-1, with his only loss coming to Nazar Kulchystkyy of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, the No. 1-rated wrestler in the country by the National Wrestling Coaches Association. 

In his opening match, Tardy narrowly defeated Matt Weber of Lakeland College 3-2, and then avenged an early season loss against Jamey Simmons of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. After dropping his match to Kulchytskyy in the semifinals, Tardy rallied to defeat Mark Savenok (13-4) for the second time this season.  In the third place match, he squeaked out a 4-3 decision over Terner Gott of John Carroll University who is currently ranked sixth in the country and who beat him earlier this season at the Trine University Open. 

Tardy is one of three Cardinals to reach the 30-win plateau already this season.  Joining him are teammates Layten Binion and Nathan Segal.  He is also the fourth Cardinal to be named CCIW Wrestler of the Week, with Dylan Mahler, Segal, and Andrew Rodawold winning the award earlier this season. 

North Central competes in their final CCIW dual next Thursday when they head to Elmhurst College to take on the Bluejays at 7:00 p.m.